Mid-South Poker Classic begins at Cherokee Casino Resort

TULSA, Oklahoma -- (PRESS RELEASE) -– Starting Thursday, May 15, Cherokee Casino Resort kicks off its first Mid-South Poker Classic, the second of three major tournaments this year, further establishing the poker room's reputation as the place to play serious poker amongst a field of skilled regional and national players, one of whom is the casino's resident poker pro, the legendary Scotty Nguyen.

Although this is the casino's first Mid-South Poker Classic, the poker room is a veteran of regional and national tournaments, drawing nearly 800 competitors for its last outing, the Oklahoma State Championship of Poker, in February. This mid-South Mecca of poker also turns out more than 7,000 entries and a $2 million prize pool for its annual Scotty Nguyen Poker Challenge, which is back this November.

The Mid-South Poker Classic begins with the popular Jack & Jill event and ends with an added tournament feature, a final table player's tournament on Memorial Day, Monday, May 26.

The tournament features 20 events over 12 days. Daily tournaments include No Limit Hold 'em, Limit Hold 'em, Omaha High/Low Split, a Senior and Ladies No Limit Hold 'em, No Limit Hold 'em 6-Handed and Pot Limit Omaha. Buy-ins range from $100 - $1,000.

The Budweiser Celebrity Poker Classic, where sports celebrities and poker professionals play to benefit Tulsa Sports Charities, is on May 18 at 7 p.m. The event will feature sports celebrities Pat Jones, OSU; Dale "Apollo" Cook, former World Champion Kick Boxer; Lee Mayberry, Arkansas Razorbacks and Milwaukee Bucks; and professional poker players Jan Fisher and Linda Johnson in a No Limit Hold 'em tournament. Buy-in is $120.

The Championship No Limit Hold 'em Main Event is on Sunday, May 25, at 1 p.m., with play continuing on Monday, May 26, at 1 p.m.

Participants can register for the Mid-South Poker Classic online at CherokeeCasino.com or in person at the Cherokee Casino Resort main cage.

For special hotel rates available to all tournament participants, call (800) 760-6700 and mention the special rate code CHER0508. Subject to availability.